So everyone seems to say to take Romancecar from Tokyo to Hakone if staying near Shinjuku vs. Shinkansen if you have a JR pass. I don’t have a JR pass and am going to be traveling from Ginza area to Hakone and want to see the Open Air Museum, and maybe try the eggs in Owakudani, and check out the lake — stuff along the ropeway, so maybe not needing to do the whole loop. We are only staying one night in Hakone so don’t think I can cram in too much. Given these factors, would it be better to just take Shinkansen from Tokyo station, transfer, then pay for transit in Hakone without the free pass (since we won’t be using Romancecar)? Or do you need the free pass regardless? Sorry, I’m super confused and overwhelmed haha. Tips appreciated!
Also :: if we are traveling with suitcases does that affect which trains we can take?
by anchopeppa